Scott Moe calls for unity as premiers prepare for Trump-era tariffs

As Canada braces for Donald Trump's impending return to the White House, premiers will be meeting in Ottawa this week in response to the U.S's 25 per cent tariff threat. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, speaking to David Cochrane on CBC's Power & Politics on Monday, says while tariffs are "a high degree of likelihood," Canada must approach Trump's rhetoric seriously.

"It's on us to continue to take those words of President-elect Trump very seriously and work toward that not happening. But if it should happen, [we must] ensure that we are doing our level best to have them lifted as soon as possible."  

Moe's remarks followed a high-profile meeting at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, where Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and businessman Kevin O'Leary met with President-elect Trump. 

One of Trump's priorities, Moe says, is enhancing border security. Moe emphasized this as an area where Canadian and American interests align, particularly on issues like combating illegal drugs and weapons trafficking. 

"Ultimately, that's both ways — enhanced North American security. That's an easy win and a positive conversation for us to have," Moe said.  

WATCH | Premiers are taking the fight against U.S. tariffs to an American audience:

Premiers are taking the fight against U.S. tariffs to an American audience

2 days ago

Duration 21:00

With just a week until Donald Trump takes office, Canada's premiers are preparing for his promise to implement 25 per cent tariffs on imported goods. Power & Politics hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on his province's moves. Plus, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King joins us from the road, where 'Team P.E.I.' is on a bus taking their fight to industry leaders and officials in the northeastern U.S.

The Saskatchewan government will be making an announcement on Tuesday regarding the province's efforts to strengthen security measures at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.

Moe said that Canada has committed $1.3 billion to border security but added that provincial and federal governments need to work together to present a unified plan. 

"Where does $1.3 billion go? Can the federal government and provincial initiatives align? Those are the conversations we need to have now."    

Premier Moe also expressed concern about retaliatory tariffs and their potential impact on Canada's economy and unity. When asked about recent comments by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who suggested "all options are on the table," including restricting Canadian exports to the U.S., Moe was unequivocal.  

"Any export tariffs or restriction of products that Canadians produce and provide to anyone in the world is simply not on," Moe said. "That would be the most divisive situation we would find ourselves in. It would divide this nation right down the centre and be far more disastrous than tariffs on the 49th parallel."  

While Moe and other premiers have been engaging directly with U.S. officials, he stressed the importance of a strong federal mandate to negotiate with Trump's administration.  

"At the end of the day, we're going to need a prime minister with a mandate that's going to be able to bring that same level of discussion to the president," Moe said. 

He called for a federal election "sooner rather than later" to give Canadians the opportunity to provide that mandate.  

"The strength of North America is how we create energy security, food security, manufacturing security, and general security as well," he said.